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Captain Benjamin Drexel, commander of the Hannibal, paced the bridge as he assessed their situation. Three years of cryo sleep had brought him and his crew to a place no other ships should be. And yet—there was a mysterious ship in orbit around the planet.

Angry and flummoxed, Drexel scrambled his fighters and raised his shields. Taking his seat in the big chair, he prepared a greeting—both friendly and intimidating, for the captain of the other ship.

“Any luck identifying that ship, Warrant Officer Wilson?” He barked at the young woman on communications.

“No, sir. Still getting the robotic garbage scow reading off her.”

“Well, we can all see that’s a lie,” his second said, making a rude gesture at the screen.

Not all the new characters in The Maker are human, in fact, most of them are some sort of bipedal alien race. There are others, however, who are just as important, but aren’t remotely human. In fact, some of the best characters in the books are the sentient ships. We’ve already met Styx, Hammer, Anvil and Quick Silver. They are a family unit who have been remarkably helpful to the folk of Shakazhan.

Now, however, a galaxy wide call has gone out and the Timokuan people must respond. The ships are the ones who must carry them to Shakazhan. This scene takes place as the Timokuan prepare to depart. It is customary for the mated pairs to travel, leaving their children for who knows how long, because there isn’t any room on the ship for them. Reluctantly, Tianna and Lordvik must leave their family behind.

“The next time I see your sorry asses, they’d better be shining like the sun. When I report here this time tomorrow, I’d better find this hell hole shipshape, or all of you will be re-evaluating your career in the Mining Guild. Dismissed!”

There was a shocked silence. No one moved, no one spoke. Marc rounded on them.

“I said dismissed, you lazy sacks of shit! Now move before I bust the entire crew back to Miner One!”

This last was yelled so loudly, Matilda stiffened. She had never seen Marc this angry. The crew scurried off to their appointed tasks. Marc walked up to her, the officers scattering at his approach. Dropping his chin, his hands still behind his back, he lowered his voice so only she could hear him.

“Did I sound authentic enough, baby?”

He winked at her surreptitiously. It was all she could do not to burst out laughing. The only thing that helped her control herself was knowing what it would do to discipline if she did.